Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
Allison Sill & Robert Bowden
September 28, 2013, Grace Chapel & Sea Island Yacht Club
Poseidon has taken a special liking to Allison Sill and Robert Bowden—how else to explain the couple’s fateful meeting at an oyster roast at the Beaufort Yacht Club, their first kiss aboard Robert’s boat, the Sea Wolf, and, eventually, a wedding reception on Wadmalaw’s Bohicket Creek? “It’s definitely a thread that weaved throughout our courtship,” laughs Allison. Their nautical history, plus Robert’s wish for a getaway on the Sea Wolf, meant that a waterside venue was a must for their reception, and Rockville’s Sea Island Yacht Club fit the bill. “We fell in love with the sleepy oaks and marsh view,” says Allison. “The sea breeze and rustic facilities make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.” Over a whirlwind four-month planning period, Robert locked down a host of local vendors and the venues, including the white-washed 1840s Grace Chapel, while Allison worked out the décor—succulents handpicked from local nurseries, string lights twisted into Mason jars, and burlap pillows she sewed herself. Of the special day, Allison says, “We felt like we had a little corner of the world all to ourselves.”
Island: Wadmalaw Island
Distance from Charleston: 23 miles south
Personality: Founded in 1784, the tiny village, with its dirt roads, picket fences, and live oaks, is old-school Southern charm personified.
Best Bet to Wed There: Membership (or local connections) at the yacht club and churches
Info: www.TownofRockville.com
Like Rockville? You’ll Also Dig: Charleston Tea Plantation, (843/559-0383; www.CharlestonTeaPlantation.com); McClellanville (843/887-3712; www.TownofMcClellanville.com)
Vendor List:
Baker: Cupcake DownSouth, www.freshcupcakes.com
Bar Service: Mix Charleston, www.mixcharleston.com
Bride’s Gown: Fabulous Frocks, www.fabulousfrocksbridal.com/charleston
Bride’s Shoes: Phillips Shoes, www.phillipsshoes.com
Bride’s Earrings: Janine Gibbons Designs, www.etsy.com/shop/JanineGibbonsDesigns
Bride’s Hair Accessory: LulaKate, www.lulakate.com
Bridesmaid Attire: Jean’s Bridal, www.jeansbridalcharleston.com
Bridesmaid Jewelry: Nana Zola, www.etsy.com/shop/nanazola
Catering: Butcher and Bee, www.butcherandbee.com
Ceremony Venue: Grace Chapel, www.stjohnsparishchurch.com/grace-chapel
Florist: Forget Me Nots by Horst Flowers, www.forgetmenotscharleston.com
Flower Girl Attire: Magnolias Bridal Collections, www.magnoliasbridal.net
Groom and Groomsmen’s Suits: Brooks Brothers, www.brooksbrothers.com
Groom and Groomsmen’s Ties: High Cotton, www.highcottonties.com
Groom’s Shoes: Allen Edmonds, www.allenedmonds.com
Linens: Snyder Events, www.snyderevents.com
Hair and Make-Up Artist: Bellezza Salon, www.bellezzasalonspa.com
Musicians: The Bushels, www.thebushels.com
Photography: Anne Liles Photography, www.annephoto.com
Reception Venue: Sea Island Yacht Club, www.seaislandyachtclub.net
Rehearsal Dinner Invitation and Thank-You Notes: Open House, www.openhousecharleston.net
Wedding Invitations: Oak and Orchid, www.etsy.com/shop/oakandorchid
